Posted: Feb 02, 2012 2:57 PM CST Updated: Feb 02, 2012 5:02 PM CST in WTOL.com.
TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) – Family and friends remember a Whitmer High School senior who died in a car crash just before 11:30 Wednesday morning on Alexis Road near Winona Drive.
The entire family is still grieving but has set up, with the help of friends, a memorial at the location of the accident. Signs, flowers and a cross have been placed in dedication to Abigail Perkins, 17. Friends have been visiting the memorial throughout Thursday.
It is a loss only a parent can understand.
“I loved her with all my heart and she’s just gone too soon,” said mother Rhonda Perkins.
Those who knew Perkins said she was a live wire who was fun loving and feisty. Active in Monroe County’s 4-H Club, Perkins won dozens of awards in horse competitions and barrel racing.
“She lived life fast and she drove that car like she drove her horse: fast,” said Perkins.
According to police, Perkins was also driving fast Wednesday, weaving in and out of traffic. After losing control, Perkins then spun out and was T-boned by an oncoming car.
“I don’t think it’s sunk in with me yet. I really, truly don’t,” Perkins said.
The memorial was set up near the scene of the accident, less than a mile from Whitmer High School, to remember the person who friends and family said would do anything for anyone.
Perkins was also a student at the alternative Malcom-Bain Center. She was on her way there when the accident happened.
Grief counselors were on hand at Whitmer High Thursday to help students struggling with the loss.
“It’s more disbelief. It’s shock this can happen and it’s such a fast incident, obviously they had no time to prepare for it,” said Jennifer Bronikowski, counselor at Whitmer High.
Those who knew Perkins wore a pink ribbon in her honor Thursday.
Friends and family are still left in shock.
“She was just beautiful and she’s going to be 17 and beautiful for the rest of her life,” said Perkins.
